National Road Safety Day observed in districts

National Road Safety Day was observed in districts, including Khulna, Meherpur, Narayanganj, Nilphamari and Rajbari, on Wednesday under the theme “Safe roads for a prosperous nation; Bangladesh above all” and with calls for greater awareness, responsible driving and stricter compliance with traffic laws to reduce accidents.

KHULNA: Khulna Divisional Commissioner Mohammad Abdullah Harun called for keeping footpaths free from encroachment to ensure a safe walking environment for pedestrians. 

He also emphasised regular road repairs and maintenance, proper training for motorcyclists and compliance with traffic rules to prevent road accidents.

He made the remarks in a discussion meeting marking National Road Safety Day at the conference room of the Deputy Commissioner’s office as chief guest on Wednesday morning.

The Divisional Commissioner said roads have yet to become safe even after more than three decades since the launch of the ‘Nirapad Sarak Chai’ (NISCHA) movement, adding that “Multiple factors contribute to road insecurity, including a lack of sustainable development in the economy.” 

He urged all concerned to work together to make roads safer, saying there is no alternative to raising public awareness in this connection.

Khulna Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hoore Jannat chaired the meeting, while Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) Divisional Director Mohammad Rafiqul Islam attended as the key discussant. DC (Traffic) of Khulna Metropolitan Police Shafiqul Islam addressed as the special guest.

Among others, District NISCHA President Tarikul Islam, City President Mahbubur Rahman Munna, Khulna Motor Workers’ Union President Khan Zahid Hossain, Truck Workers’ Union President Md Sarwar Rahman and Bus Owners’ Association President Md Saiful Islam Mallick spoke at the meeting. BRTA Deputy Director (Engineering) Tanvir Ahmed moderated the programme. Earlier, a road show was held in front of the Khulna Collectorate.

MEHERPUR: Marking the day, District BRTA brought out a rally from the premises of the DC office led by Additional DC Tajwar Akram Sakapi Ibne Sajjad that paraded the main roads of the town. 

Following the rally, a discussion meeting was held at the DC office, chaired by ADC Tajwar Akram Sakapi Ibne Sajjad and moderated by Assistant Commissioner Shakir Ahmed while DC Shilpi Rany Roy was present as the chief guest. The welcome address was delivered by Saidur Rahman, Motor Vehicle Inspector of BRTA (Meherpur Circle).

Speakers at the event included Traffic Inspector Abdul Hannan, Sub-divisional Engineer of Roads and Highways Department (RHD) Mizanur Rahman, Convener of the District Bus-Minibus Owners’ Association Alamgir Hossain, and representative of District Truck-Tank Lorry Owners’ Association S Akib. Among others, General Secretary of the District Motor Workers’ Association Matiar Rahman, along with various government officials and representatives from different sectors were present.

The discussion urged drivers, transport workers, and all relevant stakeholders to fulfil their respective responsibilities to ensure road safety.

NARAYANGANJ: The district administration and the BRTA circle jointly organised a colourful rally at 10 am, followed by a discussion meeting in the DC office conference room chaired by DC Md Raihan Kabir and attended by Narayanganj-5 Constituency MP Advocate Abul Kalam, Narayanganj Metropolitan BNP Member Secretary Advocate Abu Al Yusuf Khan Tipu and others.

Speakers offered recommendations on improving road safety and urged motor vehicle drivers, transport owners, passengers and pedestrians to become more aware of their responsibilities. They also called on people from all walks of life to play an active role in preventing road accidents.

The speakers also advised drivers against operating vehicles under the influence of drugs or while fatigued, overtaking at dangerous spots or bends, and honking unnecessarily.

At the end of the meeting, guests presented awards and certificates of recognition to several drivers for their professional skills and adherence to traffic laws.

NILPHAMARI: Marking the day, a rally was followed by a discussion meeting at the DC office conference room, chaired by DC Md Humayun Kabir. Nilphamari-2 lawmaker Advocate Alfaruk Abdul Latif attended as the chief guest.

Md Mehedi Hasan, Assistant Director of the BRTA (Nilphamari Circle), delivered the welcome address.

Speakers stressed that drivers, passengers and pedestrians must obey traffic laws to reduce road accidents. At the end of the meeting, five skilled drivers received awards.

Among those present were ADC (General) Nuzhat Tasnim Aown; Md Sultan Mahmud, Executive Engineer of the RHD; Milladur Rahman Mamun, GS of the Nilphamari Press Club; Md Mostafizur Rahman, in-charge of the Nilphamari Traffic Division; Morshed Azam, President of the district truck and covered-van owners’ association; Tasnim Faujia Opel, President of the District Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal; and District Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal leaders Nur-e-Alam and Jamiar Rahman.

RAJBARI: The district administration and the BRTA (Rajbari Circle) jointly organised a rally and a discussion meeting at the DC office conference room.

DC Afroza Parvin attended as the chief guest, while Additional District Magistrate Uchhen May chaired the meeting.

Among the speakers were Additional Superintendent of Police Tapas Kumar Pal, Acting Medical Officer at the district civil surgeon’s office Dr Mohammad Sohel Sheikh, District Red Crescent Vice-President ABM Manjurul Alam Dulal, former district BNP joint convener Gazi Ahsan Habib, Transport Owners’ Association President Mahmudur Rahman Jewel, former association president Md Aktaruzzaman and BRTA Assistant Officer Liton Kumar De.

Tapas Kumar Pal said drivers must meet basic educational requirements, receive proper driving training and obey traffic laws to ensure road safety. 

More than 100 road accidents occurred in Rajbari District over the past month, he said, citing reckless driving, unfit vehicles operating on roads and violations of traffic rules as possible causes. 

DC Afroza Parvin said transport owners also have a significant role in reducing road crashes. She stressed the need to ensure driver training and awareness and encourage responsible driving.